EPISODE 149
A Good Commander Knows What to Control
No team in law enforcement is composed of robotic textbook-following automatons, nor would we want it to be, if we’ve ever found ourselves at 2MPH over the limit. But when a worst-case incident unfolds, we want every first responder to make the right decision at the speed of life, because in those incidents seconds often equal victims. How can we raise the lowest common denominator, so our people make the right decisions quickly without rushing to failure?
In this episode Mike and Jim talk about command and control, and teaching decision-making skills to team members. In this way, when everything hits the fan, the right decisions get made fast, and get made at the right level. There’s a reason for supervisors, commanders, and leaders, but it’s important to know when to let subordinates make decisions. Not every incident is The Big One, but nobody’s ready for The Big One if they haven’t been taught in the small ones.
Find us on social media (Facebook/Twitter/Instagram/YouTube) @TacTangents
You can join the conversation in our Facebook Discussion Group.
Find all of our episodes, articles, some reading list ideas, and more on our website www.tacticaltangents.com
Like what we’re doing? Head over to Patreon and give us a buck for each new episode. You can also make a one-time contribution at GoFundMe.
Intro music credit Bensound.com
CLICK BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE NOW ON YOUR FAVORITE PLAYER
THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS! PLEASE GO CHECK THEM OUT
Recent Episodes
Protecting your Parents: Fraud and Scams
Mike and Jim connect personal stories of financial loss and embarrassment to the broader professional lessons of threat assessment and emotional control. Whether you’re protecting your organization or your family, the same principles apply: slow down, verify, and think critically. Awareness is good—but deliberate, practiced skepticism is better.
To Chase or Not to Chase: Are the Risks of a Pursuit Worth It?
Police pursuits remain one of the most dangerous and controversial aspects of law enforcement work. This episode examines the data, decision-making, and policy implications surrounding vehicle chases — from the moment the lights come on to the moment a supervisor calls it off. Mike and Jim discuss pursuit criteria, liability, follow-up tactics, and leadership under pressure, connecting lessons learned in the field to the broader goals of risk management and public safety.










